The Denver Broncos will be adding a new name to the team's Ring of Fame this season, and it will be one of the most beloved players in team history.
Demaryius Thomas was chosen as the 38th player in team history to be elected to the Ring of Fame, according to Eric DiLalla of the team's official website. Thomas was one of the best wide receivers in team history and helped the Broncos win Super Bowl 50.
Unfortunately, he will be honored posthumously as he passed away in December 2021 at just 33 years old as the result of what is believed to have been a seizure.
Fans inside Broncos Country loved Thomas for his positive attitude, unforgettable smile and passion for the game and the team he played for. He finished his career in Denver with 665 receptions for 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns. All of those numbers trail only Rod Smith among wide receivers in Broncos history.
A first-round pick in 2010 out of Georgia Tech, Thomas got off to a slow start in his career, catching only 54 passes in his first two seasons and leaving many to wonder how good he really was. But the move to bring in Peyton Manning in free agency in 2012 changed everything. In four seasons with Manning, Thomas averaged 100 catches, 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns per season and was one of the most dominant wide receivers in the league over that four-year time span.
Statement from Peyton Manning on the passing of Demaryius Thomas: pic.twitter.com/aFEWuNmy08
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 10, 2021
Before Manning came aboard, DT helped author one of the most unforgettable plays in NFL history, one that is on a short list of the best plays in team history.
The last OT Wild Card game was 2011 Broncos-Steelers.
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 5, 2020
Tim Tebow hit Demaryius Thomas for an 80-yd TD to win on the first play 😳 (via @nflthrowback) pic.twitter.com/tTN0wR32g2
Thomas will be honored during halftime of the Broncos' Week 7 game against the New York Giants on October 19. If you're looking for a Broncos game to get tickets for this season, this might be the one.
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